Saturday, May 30, 2009

A few days ago I was at my local McDonald's. While I was there I decided to do some people-watching. In my observations I honed in on how many decisions a typical customer makes just to satisfy a Mac-Attack.

My conclusion? Ten. A man (or woman) makes on average ten decisions in the brief time it takes to purchase a run-of-the-mill fast-food lunch:

Purchase inside, or drive through (Inside. I have a personal need to attend to.)

How can I help you? (I'd like a Big Mac, please.)

The meal, or just the sandwich ? (It's lunchtime. I'll take the meal, please.)

Would you like your meal Super-Sized? (No thanks. I'm driving.)

Would you like an Apple Pie with that? (Sure, why not. Doctor says I need to add some fruit to my diet.)

Is this for here, or to go? (To go, please.)

How would you like to pay for this? (Cash.)

(Do I break a $20, or dig in my pocket for exact change?) (Break the $20. It's faster.)

(Should I put the coins in the box for Ronald McDonald's Charities?) (Nah, I might need the change later.)

(What to drink?) (Diet Coke. It will balance out all the bad stuff I'm about to eat.)

I'm sure there's a lesson to be learned from this, but I'm just not seeing it. For now, I'm lovin' it!